by Elouise East
Soothe Me, Daddy
Elouise East
Copyright © 2020 Elouise East
SOOTHE ME, DADDY (DADDY SERIES, BOOK 2)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, Elouise East. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the internet or by any other means, electronic or print, without premising from Elouise East.
The unauthorised reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Please purchase only authorised electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights and livelihood is appreciated.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All products and/or brand names mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective holders/companies.
Publisher: Elouise East
Cover Design: Elouise East
Cover photo: dima_sidelnikov from depositphotos
Editor: Maria Vickers
Beta Readers: Emma Brown
Acknowledgements
I want to thank several people who have helped me get this book ready to go:
Emma, thank you so much for believing in me and being my cheerleader. You are amazing.
Maria, my fantastic editor, who helps me keep things straight, gives me advice when I’m lost and an ear when I need it. Keep strong. You’re the best.
Renee, who keeps me on the straight and narrow with her evilly helpful deeds. I don’t think I would have been able to make everything run as smoothly without you by my side.
Table of contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Eighteen Months Later
About the Author
Books by Elouise East
Chapter 1
Henley
Henley James had watched him for the past six months: he asked colleagues about their families, he brought items into the office that had been discussed previously, he brought cards and gifts on birthdays, he helped colleagues when they were under the weather. This acquaintance…this stranger freely gave other people what Henley longed for. To be taken care of.
When he first began working in customer services at the uniform manufacturing company, Henley thought it would be a short stop before he decided where to focus his attention. At thirty-three, he should have known what he wanted to be when he grew up, but he didn’t. He struggled to find jobs that held his attention for more than a few years, which meant his resume was not the best example of a reliable employee.
Fortunately for him, EasyFit Uniforms Ltd was an amazing company to work for. Each day was different from the last—regarding the small details of the calls, not the actual day to day process—and he had fun with his colleagues. Anne had trained him for a week, and now, she sat next to him, answering the calls as he did but laughing and joking in between. As soon as he’d finished his training, Anne had included him in their bi-monthly nights out, which always ended up as a display of drunken wandering through the streets before he found his way home.
Best nights ever.
Isaac Chapman never joined them. When Henley had brought up the question of why others didn’t join in, Neil, another customer service assistant, explained that each department had their own little groups that ventured out together. It was only during big company events that the groups mixed. Henley thought it a shame because he wanted to get to know Isaac better.
It was the only reason he could think of as to why he was sat in a comfortable visitor’s chair in the manager’s office answering questions about why he thought he was a good fit for the customer service executive position.
The job title sounded much fancier than the job description did. The job was travelling throughout the country, assisting different stores in their uniform needs. That was the baseline, anyway. There were other responsibilities included, but Henley knew he wouldn’t have a problem doing them.
“Well, Henley. Unless you have any questions for me, I think we’re finished.” Derek Sanders studied him, but Henley shook his head.
“You seem to have answered everything I thought about. Thank you.”
“Very well. I have two more applicants to see before the end of the day, and tomorrow, I will be making my decision. I’ll let you know before you finish work tomorrow for definite.”
Henley nodded his understanding and stood, holding out his hand. “Thank you for the opportunity.”
“You’re welcome, Henley. Now, go grab a coffee before you head back to work.” Mr Sanders smiled, showing the gap in his front teeth.
Grinning in response, Henley pivoted and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him before aiming towards the staff kitchen. Finding the surprisingly large room empty, Henley trailed to the kettle and set it boiling.
Most people would say that applying for a new job for the sole purpose of getting to spend more time with another person was crazy, but Henley honestly believed he would enjoy the role. He had no qualms about spending long hours driving or travelling on various public transport, he could happily talk the ear off anyone who would listen, and he knew about fashion. Regardless of the outcome of his infatuation with Isaac, Henley knew he wouldn’t let the company down.
Lifting his mug for a scalding sip of his tea, he carried it up two flights of stairs to the customer service department, the ringing of phones and mechanical sounds of printers reaching his ears before the doors became visible. He strode to his seat, placing his mug on the unicorn coaster Anne had given him as a “welcome to the team” present, and dropped down into his chair, bending forward to stretch out his back before sitting upright again.
“How did it go?” Anne whispered before returning to her caller. “Yes. Once you’ve filled out the correct sizes, click submit, and the order will be sent through. I will put a hurry on it this end for you. You should have it delivered in three days at most.”
Henley waited until she bid goodbye to the caller before answering, “It seemed to go alright. I’ll find out tomorrow.”
“It’s good that you don’t have to wait too long. When do they want someone to start?”
Henley logged onto the computer. “Two weeks.”
Anne whistled. “That’s not long to find a replacement for you.”
“Aww. You think I have the job. That’s so sweet.” Henley fluttered his eyelashes at her, receiving a backhanded slap to his shoulder. “Hey, no damaging the merchandise. I need to be pretty for tomorrow.”
Anne chuckled. “Why? Do you think your looks are what will get you the job?”
“No, don’t be silly. It’s our night out! I’m so looking forward to letting loose for a few hours.”
“Are you bringing your sisters with you? They were a hoot last time.”
Snickering at the thought of the night to which she was referring, he shook his head. “Not this time. Ariel and Arianne might be double the fun, but they are also double the hassle when they’re hungover. Who knew that twins would have different but equally gross results
to excessive alcohol?” He shuddered in mock horror.
“You know you love them,” Bernie teased from across the desk.
“Yes, but even I have my limits. I dropped them off at Dad and Pops the following morning.” He cackled and rubbed his hands with glee. “Served them right for doing the same thing to me with Rebecca when we were younger. I swear I still smell the vomit whenever I hoover my living room carpet.”
“Gross.” Anne grimaced.
Henley slid on his headphones, ensuring they didn’t mess with his hairdo or snag on his earrings. He’d done that a few times before, and it wasn’t pleasant. Adjusting his sleeves and fidgeting to get comfortable, he inhaled and signed on, immediately answering a call with a manicured finger.
“Good afternoon. EasyFit Uniforms. My name is Henley. How can I help you today?”
The afternoon hours flew by, and when Henley disconnected his final call of the day, he blew out a breath. Anne had gone home half an hour ago, leaving a quarter of the staff left in the department. The company believed having staggered start and finish times made more sense with the number of calls received at those times. Henley was one of the last people to leave the building each day.
He descended the stairs as he pulled on his jacket, his bracelets jingling and glittering in the spotlights. Henley wasn’t an overly feminine guy, but he knew what he liked and what looked good on him, so he went with his flow. He refused to acknowledge anyone who told him otherwise. He had his dads and sisters to thank for that.
Waving goodbye to Leah, the receptionist, Henley jogged to his car, wanting to avoid the fine mist of rain. Enclosing himself in the warm interior, he decided to visit his parents. He could let them know about the job interview while checking up on them.
Twenty-five minutes later, he pushed through the front door, calling out his usual jovial greeting, “Yo! Henley’s in the house!” Guaranteed to receive groans or chuckles every single time.
“Hey! I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight. How are you?” His dad, Lewis, had been a sprightly man in his younger days, but as the years wore on, Henley could see that time was taking its toll. At seventy-five years young, his dad used a cane and walked as fast as his arthritic joints would allow. Never a day went by when he didn’t have a smile, though.
Henley hopped over to hug him, holding him tight. “I’m good, thanks, Dad. I had a job interview today.”
“Oh, are you searching for a new place already? I thought you liked it there.”
Henley linked his dad’s arm through his as they aimed for the kitchen, where pots and pans were crashing and clanking. “Oh, I do. It’s an internal position. A step up the ladder, if you like.”
“That’s amazing! Well done, you.”
“I haven’t got it yet.” Henley snorted and rolled his eyes.
“Haven’t got what yet?” a gruff voice asked.
Henley deposited his dad on a chair at the table and hurried around to wrap his arms around Pops’ neck from behind. “Hey, Pops.”
A hand patted his arms in affection, but the voice repeated the question.
“The job I interviewed for today. I find out tomorrow.” He stepped over to the cooker, placing a kiss on his sister’s cheek. “Hey, Becca.”
Becca smiled as she dished up dinner. Henley grabbed himself a plate and added it to the counter with the others before grabbing a pan to help serve. He never had to worry about there not being enough food for unexpected visitors. The family made extras whenever they cooked, and if there ended up being leftovers, it was frozen for another time. With them being such a big family, large quantities had always been necessary. At least, as long as Henley could remember, but he was the youngest of the five of them and didn’t know any better.
“So, what was the job?” Pops asked, digging into the fluffy mashed potatoes.
Henley brought over glasses for each of them before answering, “There was a position for someone to travel and visit stores up and down the country, helping them out. It seemed a good fit for someone as socially extroverted as I am.” Henley chuckled.
“Is that another name for a flirt?” Becca asked around a mouthful of food.
Henley threw his napkin in her direction. “I don’t need another name for it. I am a flirt. But the position needed someone who could talk to anyone. I think I can do that.” He held his hand up and smirked.
“You could talk their ear off. The problem is getting you to stop,” groused Pops.
Henley pouted, forehead creasing. “Hey! I stop.” He lifted his nose in the air before smirking again. “When I’m asleep.”
They snorted their agreement before continuing to eat.
“Are you staying over tonight?” Dad asked.
Henley shook his head. “No, it was just a short visit. I need to get my beauty sleep ready for the work night out tomorrow.” However ungentlemanly it was, Henley devoured his meal. Becca was the best cook out of them, Tracey came next, and Ariel and Arianne…well, he was surprised they didn’t wither away from lack of edible options was all he could say about them. It was one thing the twins did have in common.
After pleasant conversation and helping with the washing up so Becca could rest, Henley said his goodnights and drove towards home. He needed to visit the gym, but he was too full after dinner. He’d have to get up early and head there before work. Not his favourite time to go but much needed.
After locking up the house behind him, Henley climbed the stairs as a yawn stole his breath. He strode into the bathroom, rubbing his eyes and stifling another yawn. Now that he was home, he didn’t care about his hairstyle, so he threaded his hands through the longer blue-green tinted strands and scratched at his scalp. He glanced in the mirror and removed his earrings, necklace and bracelet, placing them on the counter for the next day. After another yawn escaped, he shook his head and moved into his bedroom. He removed his clothes, throwing them in the wash basket before sinking into his expensive but totally worth it mattress, naked as the day he was born.
Having retrieved his phone before discarding his trousers, he plugged it into the charger, double-checked his alarm and turned over.
****
Katy Perry blared through the silence at five o’clock the next morning. Instantly awake, Henley sat up, rubbing his face free of sleep before dismissing the wake-up call. Knowing if he sat there too long, he’d fall back asleep, he flung the covers off and got ready for the gym.
Henley worked hard on his body and wouldn’t let anything mess it up. Not even interested in the vanity side of exercising, he did it because he liked how he felt after he’d worked up a sweat. Energy pulsed through his muscles, giving him a buzz. He usually had a lot of get-up-and-go anyway, but the gym amped it up further, and by the time he arrived at work, he was ready to take on the world and win.
Unfortunately, the day didn’t agree with his outlook and time dawdled. Several times, he requested additional work to keep him busy until he received a request for his presence in the manager’s office. Taking a deep inhale, he danced his way down the hallways and staircases, expending far too little energy before arriving at the door. Mr Sanders called him in, and Henley sat in the same seat he’d sat in not even twenty-four hours prior.
“Okay, Henley. I have good news. I would like to offer you the position.” Mr Sanders sat back in his seat, resting his linked fingers on his stomach.
Henley beamed. “Seriously? That’s fantastic. Thank you so much.”
“You’re more than welcome.” He leaned forward again, reaching for some papers. “We will get you sorted out with a new contract shortly, but in the meantime, I thought I’d run through a few things with you today if that’s okay?”
“Definitely.”
“So, you’re starting date will be two weeks on Monday, and you will be trained by the same person for eight weeks and then given free rein to work by yourself. During your training period, you will either be picked up by your trainer, or you will need to meet him at a designated point, but you
can discuss those details with him.”
At the word “him,” Henley sat up a bit straighter. There were only three guys on the executive team: Isaac, Blake and Leon. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Can I ask who my trainer will be?”
“Of course. Sorry, I should’ve mentioned that. Isaac will be training you.”
Henley inhaled through his teeth slowly, hoping to withhold his reaction to those words. When he’d applied for the position, he never actually thought Isaac would be training him. He’d only ever seen Trish train executives before. There was no way on this earth he was going to complain about it, though. He was about to spend eight hours a day, five days a week, for eight weeks in the company of the one man who intrigued him so much, he applied for a new job.
If that didn’t show his interest, he didn’t know what did.
****
Chapter 2
Isaac
Isaac Chapman coughed as he reached the third floor of his apartment building, breathing in much-needed air. He’d let his exercise regime go after his last failed relationship, not caring about anything for such a long time. Unfortunately, he was feeling the effects now and needed to start doing something about it.
If only he could find someone like Lisa had. He smiled as he remembered the expression on her face when he gave her some flowers. The previous day, she had announced she was expecting her first child, and everyone was ecstatic for her. Anyone who carried a human being inside their body for nine months, or however long the baby decided to stay in there, deserved to be treated throughout, so he would ensure to grab her little gifts over the coming months to keep her upbeat and comfortable.
Doing little things for his colleagues settled something inside him, something that was usually centred around having a boy to take care of. Being between relationships made him feel a loss that was not easily filled.
